Alternative investments may have a place in your portfolio, but things like structured products and managed futures are pretty complex. So complex, in fact, more than half the financial advisers surveyed about structured products said they don’t feel as though they know as much about them as they’d like.

Robert Powell writes in his Your Portfolio column that most financial advisers also say they plan to increase modestly or increase substantially the use of alternatives with client portfolios in 2012. Therein lies part of the problem.

Investors and financial advisers need to understand alternative investments thoroughly so they can see whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Powell explains more about the risks and also offers some alternatives to the alternatives, including some new 401(k) options.

Alternative investments aren’t for everyone

The democratization of alternative investments such as commodities, structured products, real estate, private equity, managed futures, hedge funds and funds of funds isn’t always good for investors. While advisers seem to be using these products for the right reasons, the benefits may not outweigh the risks. Read more: Alternative investments aren’t for everyone.

Wake-up call: What’s your health worth?

Chuck Jaffe says his efforts to improve his health over the past year have succeeded by using the tried-and-true, if boring, methods. Improving your financial health can be managed the same way. What’s it worth to you? Read more: Wake-up call: What’s your health worth?

U.S. consumer prices up 0.3% in September

Greece on strike again as more austerity looms

Normal life in Greece is once again disrupted Wednesday, as tens of thousands join a 48-hour general strike to protest the latest round of austerity measures ahead of a parliamentary vote, as the nation teeters on the brink of default. Read more: Greece on strike again as more austerity looms.

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